Veteran National MPs weigh in on Todd Muller and party leadership change

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New National leader Todd Muller has a big task ahead of him, but his party colleagues appear to be backing him to the hilt.

Todd Muller, surrounded by the National Party MPs, makes his first speech as leader.
Source: rnz.co.nz

Mr Muller - who has announced that he will take over the small business portfolio from Todd McClay - won yesterday's leadership race, defeating Simon Bridges.

Nikki Kaye will serve as deputy.

Veteran National Party MP Nick Smith said he had been through seven leadership changes and this one was done respectfully and professionally.

"It is a positive change that gives New Zealanders a real and serious choice for election 2020."

He said the focus in the next few months would be on the economy as the country grappled with the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Smith said Mr Muller's business background put him in a prime position to lead the discussion about the right policies to help the economy.

"Yes [we've] got a popular Prime Minister but as people start seeing the scale of the job losses and the extent of the economic challenge, I think they will know that National is best equipped to deal with that for our country."

He said it was about as late a change of leadership as could happen, with the election in September.